Therapeutic knee exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A therapeutic device adapted for facilitating recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength follow knee joint surgery in a human patient and a method for use. The therapeutic device includes an adjustable strap adapted for fitment about the midpoint of the patient&#39;s foot. A connecting strap is coupled to an edge of the adjustable strap between a pair of spaced apart swiveling connections, and a tension strap is secured about the adjustable strap and extending substantially the length of the patient&#39;s body. During use, tension maintained in the tension strap against the patient&#39;s foot facilitates knee joint flexion and provides a resistive force against knee joint extension.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to therapeutic devices utilized to facilitate recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength following joint surgery, and in particular, to a therapeutic knee exercise device adapted for facilitating recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength follow knee joint surgery in a human patient.

Knee surgery, and particularly knee replacement surgery, is an invasive procedure which often requires cutting through skin, muscle, and tendons to provide a surgeon with access to the knee joint and associated supporting structures in the leg of a human patient. During the recovery period following knee surgery, it is necessary to repeatedly exercise the knee joint to restore tendon elasticity, muscle tone, and joint flexibility, as well as to prevent or limit the development of scar tissue and adhesions on the tendons. The development of scar tissue and adhesion can be particularly painful, and can lead to a reduced range of motion for the knee joint over time, further complicating the recovery process, and potentially requiring additional surgical procedures to alleviate the condition.

Often, simply extending and flexing of the knee joint provides insufficient resistance to develop muscle tissue, and may not have sufficient range of motion without external aids to restore pre-surgical elasticity to the tendons. Accordingly, it is know to utilize therapeutic devices provide a resistance against which the knee and leg movements are made. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,823 to Spence for a “Therapeutic Apparatus For Exercising the Human Knee” provides a base member for supporting a patient in a supine position, and a elongate strap which couples to the base member over the patient's shoulders, and is passed beneath a knee to be exercised. Extension of the knee joint and articulation of the hip joint is resisted by the elongate strap, providing a resistive force for therapeutic exercise. However, the base member is a cumbersome component, and the device cannot be utilized with the patient in a prone position. Knee articulation with a patient in a prone position exercises a different set of muscles and tendons in the patient's leg, as the hip joint does not articulate when the patient is in the prone position.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a therapeutic knee exercise device which is simple, inexpensive to produce, and convenient to use and store, and which permits a patient to exercise a knee joint in both the supine and prone positions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, the present invention provides a therapeutic device adapted for facilitating recovery of joint mobility and muscle strength follow knee joint surgery in a human patient. The therapeutic device includes an adjustable strap adapted for fitment about the midpoint of the patient's foot. A connecting strap is coupled to an edge of the adjustable strap between a pair of spaced apart swiveling connections, and a tension strap is secured about the connecting strap and extending substantially the length of the patient's body.

A first method for utilizing a therapeutic device of the present invention with a patient in a prone position on a horizontal surface includes the initial step of placing an adjustable strap about the patient's foot, approximately disposed within the arch of the patient's foot, and with the connecting strap extending towards the heel of the patient's foot. The tension strap, coupled to the connecting strap, is extended along the patient's leg and torso, and over the patient's shoulder, where it is held by the patient. The tension strap is pulled by the patient to assist in lifting the patient's foot and flexing the knee joint from a horizontal extended position to a desired angle of flexion, facilitating joint mobility. Tension is maintained on the tension strap as the patient's leg exerts a force to return the knee joint to the horizontal extended position, providing a muscle strengthening resistance. The cyclical processes is repeated as desired.

A second method for utilizing a therapeutic device of the present invention with a patient in a supine position on a horizontal surface includes the initial step of placing an adjustable strap about the patient's foot, approximately disposed within the arch of the patient's foot, and with the connecting strap extending towards the heel of the patient's foot. The tension strap, coupled to the connecting strap, is extended horizontally along the patient's leg and torso, and to at least the patient's waist, optionally behind the patient's shoulder, where it is held by the patient. The tension strap is pulled by the patient to slide the patient's heel along the horizontal surface, assisting in elevating and flexing the knee joint from a horizontal extended position to a desired angle of flexion, facilitating joint mobility. Tension is maintained on the tension strap as the patient's leg exerts a force to return the knee joint to the horizontal extended position, providing a muscle strengthening resistance. The cyclical processes is repeated as desired.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a therapeutic knee exercise device of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the therapeutic knee exercise device of FIG. 1, in use with a patient in a supine position; and

FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the therapeutic knee exercise device of FIG. 1, in use with a patient in a prone position

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention.

Turing to FIG. 1, a therapeutic knee exercise device of the present invention for stretching (i.e., flexing) and strengthening (i.e. extending) the human knee is shown generally at 10. The therapeutic knee exercise device 10 provides an adjustable strap 12 adapted for fitment about the midpoint of the patient's foot. The adjustable strap 12 forms a closed loop, and may be adjusted for fitment about feet of different sizes, with or without shoes. Preferably, the adjustable strap 12 is formed from a single length of strapping material 14 having two ends 14 a, 14 b which are coupled together with a conventional adjustment mechanism 16, such as a hook and loop fastening mechanism commonly known as Velcro.

A connecting strap 18 is coupled between a pair of spaced connecting points 20 on an edge 22 of the adjustable strap 12. The connecting points 20 are preferably spaced apart about the circumference of the edge 22 by an arc of less than 180 degrees, and are disposed equidistant from the adjustment mechanism 16, such that the adjustment mechanism is disposed on an upper portion to the adjustable strap 12, and the connecting points 20 are coupled to a lower portion of the adjustable strap 12. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the connecting points 20 each include a D-ring 24 secured to the adjustable strap 12 by a stitched loop 26. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that connecting points 20 other than D-rings may be utilized, and that the connecting points may be secured to the adjustable strap 12 by any conventional fastening means suitable for the material employed.

The fixed-length connecting strap 18 is secured between each connecting point 20, and a tension strap 28 is secured about the connecting strap 26. As seen in FIG. 1, the tension strap 28 extends substantially perpendicular to the adjustable strap 12, but is not restrained in that position. Preferably, the tension strap has a length sufficient to extend from a patient's ankle, along the length of the patient's leg and torso, and at least to the patient's waist for gripping by the patient's hands. Optionally, the tension strap 28 may have sufficient length to loop over the patient's shoulder for gripping by the patient's hands. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the tension strap 28 is secured about the connecting strap 18 by looping an end 30 of the tension strap 28 around the connecting strap 18. The end 30 stitched back to the tension strap 28, providing a sliding connection between the tension strap 28 and the connecting strap 18. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of means may be utilized to provide a sliding connection between the tension strap 28 and the connecting strap 18. The sliding connection between the tension strap 28 and the connecting strap 18 facilitates articulation of the patient's knee joint in such a manner as to avoid twisting motions during. For example, the tension strap 28 may be shifted to either the inside or outside of the patient's heel depending upon which hand the patient is using to apply a tension force to the tension strap.

Preferably, each of the straps in the present invention, including the adjustable strap 12, the connecting strap 18, and the tension strap 28 are formed from the same woven or webbing material, having a limited elasticity. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that any of a variety of suitable materials having limited elasticity may be utilized within the scope of the present invention.

A first method for utilizing a therapeutic device of the present invention with a patient in a supine position on a substantially horizontal surface as shown in FIG. 2 includes the initial step of placing the adjustable strap 12 about the patient's foot, approximately disposed within the arch of the patient's foot, and with the connecting strap 18 extending towards the heel of the patient's foot. The tension strap 28, coupled to the connecting strap 18, is extended horizontally along the patient's leg and torso, at least to the patient's waist, and optionally behind the patient's shoulder, where it is held by the patient. The tension strap 28 is pulled by the patient to slide the patient's heel along the horizontal surface, assisting in elevating and flexing the knee joint from a horizontal extended position to a desired angle of flexion, facilitating joint mobility. A desired level of tension is maintained on the tension strap by the patient as the patient's leg exerts a force to return the knee joint to the horizontal extended position, providing a muscle strengthening resistance. The cyclical processes is repeated as desired. The sliding connection between the tension strap 28 and the connecting strap 18 permits the patient to position the tension strap 28 relative to either the inside or outside edges of the patient's foot, maintaining a desired level of tension in a plane defined by the patient's upper and lower legs as the patient's knee joint is articulated, thereby reducing or eliminating lateral forces which may result in an undesired twisting or torque of the patient's knee joint.

A second method for utilizing the therapeutic device 10 of the present invention with a patient in a prone position on a substantially horizontal surface, such as shown in FIG. 3, includes the initial step of placing the adjustable strap 12 about the patient's foot, approximately disposed within the arch of the patient's foot, and with the connecting strap 18 extending towards the heel of the patient's foot. The tension strap 28, coupled to the connecting strap 18, is extended along the patient's leg and torso, and over the patient's shoulder, where it is held by the patient. The tension strap is pulled by the patient to assist in lifting the patient's foot and flexing the knee joint from a horizontal extended position to a desired angle of flexion, facilitating joint mobility. During flexion of the knee from the prone position, the patient's hip joint is maintained in an extended position, restricting movement to a limited group of muscles. A desired level of tension is maintained on the tension strap 28 by the patient as the patient's leg exerts a force to return the knee joint to the horizontal extended position, providing a muscle strengthening resistance. The cyclical processes is repeated as desired. The sliding connection between the tension strap 28 and the connecting strap 18 permits the patient to position the tension strap 28 relative to either the inside or outside edges of the patient's foot, maintaining a desired level of tension in a plane defined by the patient's upper and lower legs as the patient's knee joint is articulated, thereby reducing or eliminating lateral forces which may result in an undesired twisting or torque of the patient's knee joint.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. A therapeutic knee exercise device, comprising: an strap adapted for fitment about the midpoint of the patient's foot, said strap defining an closed loop; a connecting strap coupled between a pair of spaced points on an edge of said strap; and a tension strap secured about said connecting strap and extending generally perpendicular to said closed loop.
 2. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 1 wherein said strap is an adjustable strap, and wherein said strap defines an adjustable closed loop adapted for fitment about the midpoint of the patient's food.
 3. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 1 wherein said tension strap extends at least to the patient's waist.
 4. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 1 wherein said tension strap extends substantially the length of the patient's body.
 5. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 1 wherein each of said pair of spaced points is a connector coupled to said strap for swiveling connection relative thereto; and wherein said connecting strap is coupled between said connectors.
 6. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 5 wherein each of said connectors is a ring connector.
 7. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 2 wherein said adjustable strap includes a first end and a second end, said first and second ends detachable coupled together.
 8. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 7 wherein said first and second ends are detachably coupled together with a hook and loop fastener.
 9. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 7 wherein said first and second ends are detachably coupled together with a buckle fastener.
 10. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 7 wherein said first and second ends are detachably coupled together with a detachable fastener.
 11. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 1 wherein said pair of spaced points are separated by an arc of less than 180 degrees about a circumference of said strap edge.
 12. The therapeutic knee exercise device of claim 1 wherein said tension strap is secured about said connecting strap for sliding movement between said pair of spaced points.
 13. A method for therapeutic knee exercises for a human patient utilizing a therapeutic device having an adjustable loop, a connecting strap coupled between a pair of spaced points on an edge of the adjustable loop, and a tension strap secured about the connecting strap, comprising: fitting the adjustable strap about a foot of the patient, below a knee to be exercised, with the connecting strap extending towards a heel of the patient's foot; extending the tension strap along a leg and torso of the patient; and maintaining a tension force on said tension strap during one or more cycles of extension and flexion of said knee to be exercised.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the patient is initially disposed in a prone position on a substantially horizontal surface.
 15. The method of claim 13 further including the step of disposing said tension strap over a shoulder of the patient.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein the patient is initially disposed in a supine position on a substantially horizontal surface.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein said adjustable strap is fitted about an arch of said foot.
 18. The method of claim 13 further including the step of positioning said tension strap about said connecting strap to reduce lateral force on said knee during one or more cycles of extension and flexion of said knee to be exercised.
 19. The method of claim 13 further including the step of positioning said tension strap about said connecting strap to reduce twisting force on said knee during one or more cycles of extension and flexion of said knee to be exercised.
 20. The method of claim 13 further including the step of positioning said tension strap about said connecting strap to reduce torque on said knee during one or more cycles of extension and flexion of said knee to be exercised. 